Virat Kohli’s IPL playoff record became a major talking point ahead of Qualifier 1 vs Gujarat Titans

Virat Kohli (BCCI/IPL Photo) NEW DELHI: Emotions, tears, smiles, satisfaction and the feeling of finally holding the IPL trophy – the scenes of Virat Kohli and the entire Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp after winning the IPL 2025 title are still fresh in the minds of fans. And now, with another dominant campaign, RCB are back in the playoffs and dreaming of back-to-back titles.With nine wins in 14 matches, 18 points and an impressive net rate of +0.78, RCB became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. One of the biggest architects of RCB’s success this season has once again been their talisman Virat Kohli. The former India captain has been in tremendous form throughout the season and the defending champions will be hoping to carry the same momentum into the playoffs.RCB will take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday.The winner of Qualifier 1 marches straight into the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side gets another chance in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.However, there is one statistic that may worry RCB fans.Despite being one of the greatest batsmen in IPL history, Kohli does not boast a dominating record in the play-off stages of the tournament.Yes, you read that right.In his illustrious IPL career spanning 281 matches, Kohli played 16 play-off matches for RCB and scored 357 runs at an average of 25.50 and a strike rate of 121.42. He has scored two half-centuries in playoff matches and has a duck to his credit as well.Kohli has been the face of RCB since the inception of the IPL in 2008. He signed with the Bengaluru franchise as a youngster and remained loyal to the team throughout his IPL journey.After failing to qualify for the playoffs in the inaugural season in 2008, RCB made it to the playoffs for the first time in 2009. They defeated Chennai Super Kings in the semi-finals to reach the finals, but eventually lost the title fight to Deccan Chargers.

Do you think RCB can successfully defend their IPL title this season?

Now that RCB are gearing up for another massive playoff game against Gujarat Titans, all eyes will be on Kohli once again. Here’s a look at Kohli’s overall IPL numbers and his playoff record.

Virat Kohli in IPL

Tournament TeamMatInnsNORunsHSAveSR100s50sOVERALLRCB281273439218113*40.07134.39967IPL 2026RCB14143557105*50.63163.8214IPL 2025RCB1515365773*54.75144.7108IPL 2024RCB15153741113*61.75154.6915IPL 2023RCB14142639101*53.25139.822 2022RCB161613417322.73115.9802IPL 2021RCB1515140572*28.92119.4603IPL 2020RCB1515446690*42.36121.3503IPL 2019RCB1414046410033.14141.4612IPL 2018RCB1414353092*48.18139.1004IPL 2017RCB101003086430.80122.2204IPL 2016RCB1616497311381.08152.0347IPL 2015RCB1616550582*45.90130.8203IPL 2014RCB141413597327.61122.1002IPL 2013RCB161626349945.28138.7306IPL 2012RCB1615236473*28.00111.6502IPL 2011RCB161645577146.41121.0804IPL 2010RCB161323075827.90144.8101IPL 2009RCB161322465022.36112.3201IPL 2008RCB131211653815.00105.0900

Virat Kohli in the IPL playoffs

Player Teamplayoffst Matches Runs Average Strike Rate50s100s0Virat KohliRCB1635725.50121.42201

Virat Kohli in IPL Playoffs – All Matches

ScoreBF4s6sSRPosDismissalInnsOppositionGroundDate24*1712141.175Not out2CSKJohannesburg23. May 2009781087.506Stumped2ChargersJohannesburg24. May 20099710128.2MIDYil6 201070*4453159.093Not out1CSKWankhede24. May 20118120066.663Bowled1MIChennaiMay 27 2011353211109.373LBW2CSKChennai May 28 2181R626.05.018180162011no May 201512911133.332Caught1CSKRanchi22 May 201502000.002Bowled2Guj LionsBengaluru May 24 2016543552154.282Bowled2SRHBengaluru May 29 10085buhabi November 6 20085buhabi 2020252420104.161Caught1LSGEden Gardens May 25 2022780187.501Caught1RRAhmedabad27 May 2022332431137.501Caught1RRAhmedabad22 May 2024121220100.002Caught2Punjab KingsNew Chandigarh29. May 2025433530122.852Caught1Punjab KingsAhmedabad3 June 2025